Better Together Award

The Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines recognizes nonprofit organizations, civic groups, collaborative partnerships and individuals who are building social capital in our community with the Better Together Award.

Nominations are being accepted between now and March 31 for the 2015 Better Together Award. Click here to complete the brief nomination form.

Social Capital

Social capital is defined as connections among diverse people or groups, based on trust, that enhance cooperation for mutual benefit. Those who build social capital possess a unique set of skills and attitudes that enable them to collaborate effectively, make connections between diverse sectors, bridge differences and nurture social networks to make a difference.

Building social capital takes two forms, bonding or bridging. Bonding
social capital builds relationships and networks among people who are
like each other. Bridging social capital builds relationships and
networks among people who are unlike each other. Both are important and
can be channeled to make positive impact in communities and bring
people together around community needs, issues and opportunities.

Grant Award

Nominees may be nonprofit organizations, civic groups, collaborative partnerships or individuals who have built social capital within Greater Des Moines by leveraging their personal and professional networks to make a difference. Nominees may have mobilized a group to volunteer, or organized an event in their neighborhood, or brought a diverse group to work together on a common issue. Nominees may have built social capital by fostering an ethic of civic engagement in their organization or civic group.

Individual award recipients receive a $1,000 award, donated to the charitable organization of his/her choice that builds social capital. A nonprofit organization or civic group recipient receives a $2,500 grant to use toward its social capital work. Community Foundation board members are not eligible to receive the individual award.